Airbus Helicopters H135 vs Airbus Helicopters H145 vs Md Helicopters Md 530f
The Airbus Helicopters H135 and H145 are both light twin‑engine utility helicopters commonly used for EMS, law enforcement, and corporate transport, while the MD Helicopters MD 530F is a lighter single‑engine helicopter typically focused on training, patrol, observation, and light utility roles. In category terms, the H145 sits above the H135 as a larger, higher‑payload light twin, whereas the MD 530F is a smaller single‑engine platform with simpler operating economics but less redundancy. For range, the H135 and H145 are broadly similar in typical mission profiles, generally offering medium ranges on the order of a few hundred nautical miles depending on configuration, reserves, and fuel options, with the H145 often benefiting from greater fuel/payload flexibility. The MD 530F usually has a shorter practical range than the Airbus twins, though exact figures vary with tanks and operating conditions. Passenger capacity also separates them: the H135 commonly carries about 5–7 passengers (plus pilot[s]) depending on layout, the H145 typically about 8–9 passengers (plus pilot[s]), and the MD 530F generally accommodates around 4 passengers (plus pilot).
| Spec | AIRBUS H135 | AIRBUS H145 | MD Helicopters MD 530F |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 6.33 | $ 9.31 | $ 3.59 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 9 | 10 | 4 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Airbus Helicopters | MD Helicotpers |
| Aircraft Name | H135 | H145 | MD 530F |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 342 | 352 | 216 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.79 | $ 0.93 | $ 0.90 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 7 | 9 | 3 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 3124 | 4200 | 1509 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 8 | 2 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 861 | $ 1,210 | $ 480 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Helionix | EFIS | Garmin G500H |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 136 | 130 | 134 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $6,150,000 | $10,200,000 | $ 3,400,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 9 | 10 | 4 |
| Configuration | Green Interior | Green Interior | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 7 | 9 | 3 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 8 | 2 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | No |
| Model | Arrius 2B2+ | Arriel 2E | 250-C30 |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 4000 | 2000 |
| Horsepower | 660 | 894 | 650 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | — | 35 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | — | 64 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 33.5 | 44.8 | 32.2 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 12.6 | 13 | 8.7 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 34 | 36.1 | 27.5 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 173 | 166 | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 46.8 | — |